A federal program supporting marine and beach cleanup efforts is making a comeback with reduced funding compared to previous years. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) announced that the Ghost Gear Fund will be reinstated with a budget of $15 million spread over three years. Although the official launch date and potential changes to application criteria are yet to be disclosed by the DFO.
Angela Riley, the founder of Scotian Shores, expressed enthusiasm about the fund’s return, citing its significance for her organization. However, she also raised concerns about the adequacy of $15 million over three years in addressing the broader issue of marine pollution caused by lost or abandoned fishing gear, known as ghost gear, especially in Atlantic Canada with its rich fishing history.
Initially introduced in 2020, the Ghost Gear Fund allocated $58.3 million to 134 cleanup projects both in Canada and internationally until 2024, with no funding set aside for 2025. Earlier this year, Nova Scotia terminated its Marine Debris Clean-up Program, intensifying the reliance on federal support for organizations like Scotian Shores to combat coastal pollution effectively.
Estimating the extent of ghost gear in provincial waters is challenging, but numerous lobster traps, bands, and ropes are retrieved annually in Nova Scotia cleanup initiatives. Scotian Shores has previously received funding from the Ghost Gear Fund, including $75,000 initially and an additional $150,000 following post-tropical storm Fiona in 2022.
The Fundy North Fishermen’s Association based in St. George, New Brunswick, also benefited from federal funding for their cleanup efforts. Darlene Norman-Brown, the assistant director of the association, emphasized the significant impact of the funding on enabling more in-water retrieval trips, with the number of trips increasing substantially when supported by the Ghost Gear Fund.
In-water cleanups are costly, involving fishermen incurring expenses for fuel, crew time, and daily operations. The demanding nature of retrievals, lasting up to 12 to 14 hours a day, poses challenges, particularly as fishermen use their own vessels, risking damage during cleanup operations. While retrieved materials often end up in landfills, some organizations explore recycling options to manage the waste effectively.
Efforts to ensure responsible disposal align with the objectives of the Ghost Gear Fund, though funding allocation for recycling activities can deplete resources rapidly. Angela Riley highlighted the potential for recycling costs to consume funding swiftly, indicating the need for strategic resource management.
The DFO spokesperson mentioned ongoing developments of a “Ghost Gear Action Plan,” slated for completion in 2027, aiming to enhance marine cleanup strategies and sustainability initiatives.